'Saves Champion + .300 Hitter' Ha Jae-hoon Makes Fresh Start with Ulsan Whales: "I Have Confidence in My Power and Speed; I Am Determined to Start from Scratch"

*This content was translated by AI.

Recently released by SSG Landers, 36-year-old Ha Jae-hoon is continuing his career with Ulsan Whales.

Ulsan Whales announced on the 11th that it has signed former SSG Landers outfielder Ha Jae-hoon.

After becoming a free agent following his release from SSG, Ha Jae-hoon expressed his desire to extend his playing career and sought a new team. Ulsan decided to sign him after highly evaluating his power hitting and extensive experience.

He has had a tumultuous career. After graduating from Yongma High School, Ha Jae-hoon did not join the KBO League but instead challenged the American stage. He later played only in the minor leagues before moving to Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He then turned his attention back to the KBO League and was selected by SK Wyverns (the predecessor of SSG) in the second round of the 2019 rookie draft.

SSG focused on Ha Jae-hoon as a pitcher, and he became the league's saves champion with 36 saves in his first season. Wearing the national team jersey, Ha Jae-hoon later suffered shoulder injuries and, after a long rehabilitation, switched to playing as an outfielder.

In 2022, he experienced a championship win with SSG, and the following season, he exploded with potential in 77 games, posting a .303 batting average, 7 home runs, 35 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.842.

However, he could not maintain that upward momentum the following year. Ahead of the 2025 season, he earned head coach Lee Sung-yong's approval with his diligent attitude and outstanding hitting during spring training, but he bowed his head after sustaining an injury during a practice game defense. Although he returned after rehabilitation with some regrets, he soared in the Futures League with a .328 batting average, 11 home runs, and 32 RBIs in 49 games.

Ahead of this season, his position became even more limited as outfield power hitter Kim Jae-hwan was signed, and due to his advanced age, he managed only 22 games in the Futures League, struggling to adjust his conditioning and finishing with a .171 batting average.

Upon hearing news of his release from SSG, Ha Jae-hoon told StarNews, "I felt I wanted to continue my playing career and that it seemed possible." He added, "My wife also said that if there's any regret, we shouldn't have it, so if I can play more, I should. She said there would be no regrets even if I played just one more year. It wasn't because my body couldn't handle it or that I lacked confidence; it just felt too much of a waste to quit."

Ha Jae-hoon, who has been adjusting his weight and consistently building his physique in the rehabilitation group, expressed confidence in himself. "I have an immediate desire to play," he said. "However, if there is no team I can join, I cannot play." He continued, "If any team selects me, I will go with a grateful heart and show them my best effort, working step by step to climb up. I think I need to perform well in the minor league first, earn recognition, and then do even better when I reach the major league." With this resolve, he was ultimately chosen by Ulsan Whales.

Head coach Jang Won-jin explained the background of the signing: "Ha Jae-hoon is a player with extensive experience and outstanding power-hitting ability. He can serve as a good role model for younger players, and we judged that he still has sufficient competitiveness."

Ha Jae-hoon also stated, "My physical condition is good. I have confidence in both my power and speed." He added, "I sincerely thank the Ulsan Whales organization for giving me another chance and for trusting and selecting me. With the resolve to start from scratch, I will do my best. More important than personal goals is the team's championship win. I want to achieve a championship with Ulsan Whales."

Ulsan expects Ha Jae-hoon to be a resource that can add experience and power-hitting ability to its young roster. His extensive major league experience, ability to solve critical situations, and relentless challenging attitude are expected to have a positive impact on the team for the remainder of the season.

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*This content was translated by AI.